Gop Choice Pulls Out

Selectmen's Unity Discourages Challenge

CLINTON — The five selectmen are happy with each other, party affiliations notwithstanding, and are supporting each other for reelection.

That left Peter G. Giannotti, the Republican town committee's choice to challenge First Selectman William ``Willie'' Fritz Jr., out in the cold, and he's withdrawn from the race.

Giannotti, a local lawyer, was just endorsed by the GOP last week, but said he has decided the campaign will take up too much of his time, ``and I just want to put my family first.''

``It's not a perfect situation,'' GOP committee Chairman Anselmo Delia said. ``It's going to be difficult to find a candidate willing to run given that the present board is virtually cross-endorsing.''

David S. Townsend, a Republican on the board seeking his second term, said he thinks Fritz, a Democrat, ``is doing a damn fine job.''

``I think it's safe to say the five members of the board of selectmen are productive, cooperative, respectful -- there's a certain dynamic that's working, and it's got nothing to do with politics,'' Townsend said. ``The communication is remarkable. It's a cool thing. We're not used to that in Clinton.''

Also seeking another term are Democrats Dolly G. Mezzetti and Jeremiah F. ``Jerry'' Dunn, who was appointed to replace the late Ed Hidek in 2006, and Republican Arthur H. Isaacson.

Isaacson, who has served on the board since 2003, said the five incumbents have worked well together over the past two years and accomplished a lot for the town.

Isaacson ran unsuccessfully for first selectman in 2003 and 2005, but won't try again this year.

``I originally had set for myself a term of six years, whether I was elected first selectman or not,'' he said. ``It's time for me to step out. I'm going to be 70 in January. I want to let someone younger come in.''